Paralysed men able to move legs after their spinal cords were electrically zapped

The four men were able to move their legs thanks to the treatment[UNI OF LOUISVILLE/AP]

The men, who took part in trials of the the treatment in the US, were able to wiggle their toes, lift their legs and even stand briefly, thanks to electrical stimulation of their spinal cords.

Experts have hailed the venture as a life-changer for people who are confined to wheelchairs.

The first individual to be treated by the team at the University of Louisville and University of California was Rob Summers, from Portland, Oregon.

Three years ago Mr Summers, who is paralysed from the chest down after a hit-and-run car accident, was able to move his legs while supported on a treadmill after his spinal cord was electrically stimulated.

In a new study published in the British neurological journal Brain, researchers gave an update on the success of his case.

It also reported that three other men have now successfully undergone the treatment, which gave them some control of their legs, confirming that Mr Summers' case was not a one-off.

Dustin Shillcox, 29, of Green River, Wyoming, was seriously injured in a car crash in 2010. Last year, he had an electrical device surgically implanted in his lower back to stimulate his spinal cord. Five days later, he was able to wiggle his toes and managed to move one of his feet for the first time since he became paralysed.

Mr Shillcox said: "It was very exciting and emotional. It brought me a lot of hope.

"The future is very exciting for people with spinal cord injuries.

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Paralysed men able to move legs after their spinal cords were electrically zapped